Best Sushi for Mom and 3 kids!

[BraveMom3]

My three children (12, 8, 7) and I are planning on trying sushi for the first time during our upcoming Thanksgiving trip. What is the best sushi for beginners? Is it better to go to Matsunoma Lounge or Tepanyaki?
Thanks! Need advice!

 

[BeamsofLight]

I had sushi for the first time at Matsunoma, so I can recommend that. They had a lot of variety, and gave us the ability to order smaller portions so I didn't have to commit to eating a lot if I didn't like it. Fortunately, I did like it, so we've been back there since. It's really a nice place to relax and have a snack.

I don't know what the 'best' thing for beginners would be, but my husband and I ordered the 6 piece combo they had, and that worked for us. He wasn't a beginner though, so I knew he'd eat it if I chickened out.

I haven't eaten at Teppanyaki (yet), so I can't comment on theirs, although I imagine the sushi must be made by the same people. I think Teppanyaki would give you more variety of non-sushi foods, though, if you wanted to get something different in the event you turned out to be non-sushi people. I bet you'll like it though. Remember to use the soy sauce and the wasabi!

Good luck!

 

[Brian Noble]

Several different items are cooked: the shrimp nigiri, egg nigiri, and california roll are fully cooked. Likewise, any vegetable roll is easy. Then, work your way up. Some "beginner friendly" items are yellowtail nigiri and tuna nigiri.

But, if you are a fish person at all, you'll love it.

Unfortunately, my wife's first visit to a sushi bar was when she was unknowingly pregnant, and the smell of sushi reminds her of morning sickness. So, I have to reserve sushi for business trips.

 

[gatour]

Yes, all of the sushi is made by the same people. They have set up a sushi bar inside the Tempura place. Another option is to eat in the Tempura place, you can order a few pieces and see if you like it. If you don't, you can always order some tempura. If you eat in the lounge you have fewer options for "normal" food.

The tepanaki restaurant is really geared to the tepanaki. Most people who order sushi there are having it as an appetizer.

For beginners I recommend the california roll. But also try the salmon (the pieces, not the rolls, although the roll is good). By trying the pieces you are getting a more truer sense of sushi.

The sushi is passable here. I do usually visit the lounge or tempura place at least once every visit. California Grill has outstanding sushi, and I understand the sushi restaurant in the Swan/Dolphin is good. I keep forgetting about that restaurant.

 

[ahutton]

I'm not a sushi eater, and have allergy problems that have kept me from trying even the more common roll items. But I'm married to one.

He raves about the menu at California Grill, and would go back there for more in a heartbeat. He had some outstanding rolls this time last year. For the ages of your kids I would bet they would enjoy the experience and view from up there. He's also tried the offerings at the tempura tables in Mitsukoshi - they were very good as well. I've heard many rave reviews about Kimonos at the Swan, but we've never been there.

 

[drclaws]

California Grill was very good, but for my money, Kimono's in the Swan was even better (and if you happen to be DVC it comes with a 20% discount). Excellent, and if you're adventurous have the saki flight sampler!